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Wear a mask and avoid kissing: How to stay COVID safe in the bedroom

A British doctor has shared advice on how to have sex and remain safe in the age of coronavirus.

Dr Michael Brady, Medical Director at Terrence Higgins Trust – a HIV and sexual health charity – said the best sexual partner one can have during the pandemic is yourself or someone you live with.

And there are ways to make sex as safe as possible, Dr Brady says.

Solo is the safest

First and foremost, Dr Brady recommends solo sex as the safest option to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus.

A couple lie in bed with only their feet showing from under the blanket.
A doctor in the UK has released tips to make sure everyone can be COVID safe in the bedroom. Source: Getty/Stock

The doctor suggests solo masturbation, phone or cam sex as the safest options as they can be done without being in close proximity to anyone else.

“Just make sure that if you’re having cam sex you don’t share images that might identify you, unless you want to, and that you aren’t pressured into anything that makes you feel uncomfortable,” Dr Brady cautions.

The next safest option is to have sex with a person in your household, Dr Brady said.

How to have sex safely during coronavirus
A couple in New York have found a way to safely be intimate (Left) while washing hands before and after sex is strongly recommended. Source: Twitter/@jemermycohen/Getty

“If you do make the decision to have sex with someone outside of your household, it’s sensible to limit the number to one partner or as few partners as possible and take other precautions to reduce the risk of COVID-19,” Dr Brady said.

When having sex with a new partner the doctor suggests have an important talk before to manage the risk together.

“Ask them if they have any COVID-19 symptoms or had any in the previous two weeks and the same for anyone in their household.

“Key symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and loss of sense of smell or taste,” Dr Brady said.

To reduce the chances of catching or passing on coronavirus, the doctor suggests wearing a face mask and avoiding kissing.

Dr Brady suggested sticking to positions where you and your partner are not face-to-face and as the virus has been found in semen and faeces, he suggests using protection such as condoms when practicing oral sex.

Sex during coronavirus
To reduce the chances of catching or passing on COVID-19, the doctor suggest not kissing and wearing a face mask. Source: Getty

And the ever-present advice of washing your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds is recommended before and after sex.

“While the pandemic continues and, certainly, if we see a ‘second wave’ we will continue to review our advice about making your sex as safe as possible,” Dr Brady said but added that the pandemic is no excuse to ignore your sexual health.

“Lockdown has meant that most people have had fewer sexual partners, if any at all, and now is the perfect time to be sure you don’t have an STI and to know what your HIV status is,” he said.

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